Science - Bridge Building
This term, we've been learning about Natural Disasters.
This week, we're looking at earthquakes, and just for fun (and because you asked for it) we're going to incorporate a related design and building challenge.
Watch the video in class to see how important good design is in earthquake zones. How do you think engineers overcome the challenges?
Ready to give it a go yourself? See Mr D for this week's group design challenge. Can you build a bridge that meets the conditions and survives the quake?
If this week's engineering challenge has whet your appetite, and you have a few spare minutes, you may also enjoy putting your skills to the test in the simplified bridge-building game below. Click on the pic for access, or click here and scroll down to learn more about the world's earthquake zones.
This week, we're looking at earthquakes, and just for fun (and because you asked for it) we're going to incorporate a related design and building challenge.
Watch the video in class to see how important good design is in earthquake zones. How do you think engineers overcome the challenges?
Ready to give it a go yourself? See Mr D for this week's group design challenge. Can you build a bridge that meets the conditions and survives the quake?
If this week's engineering challenge has whet your appetite, and you have a few spare minutes, you may also enjoy putting your skills to the test in the simplified bridge-building game below. Click on the pic for access, or click here and scroll down to learn more about the world's earthquake zones.
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This lady speaks way too quickly, but this simple video may be helpful for those looking for a quick introduction to basic bridge types.
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This video by Practical Engineering provides more detail on the many different types of bridges we encounter in our travels. Some may require much more time to construct than we will have available during our class challenge, but may spark your curiosity for future projects.
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Leonardo da Vinci famously designed this self-supporting bridge which relies on geometry and friction to distribute the tension and compression forces we typically experience in bridges. It's fastener-free design may prove useful in our classroom challenge.
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In this Mythbusters special, the team create a suspension bridge using duct tape only. You may find some of their ideas helpful in your own design.
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